Atlantic Training's eLearning platform, WAVE, is a dynamic Learning Management System (LMS) with user-friendly online training courses and complete record keeping. It can be customized to your company, can host your existing courses, and is accessible by any device for an efficient, effective, and complete safety training solution.

How to Safely Recharge a Forklift

This 1 minute safety training video covers: How to reduce the chances of an explosion while recharging, forklift battery charging procedure, safe areas to recharge forklifts, forklift battery charging instructions, how to prevent the battery from slipping out of its compartment after charging and how to safely recharge the battery without damaging electric components.

Video Transcript

Charging a battery might seem a harmless activity but there are actually serious hazards you need to keep in mind when dealing with batteries. Battery acid is basically a mixture of water and sulfuric acid, this solution is often called electrolyte and it can cause a serious burns if you come in contact with it. Batteries can also give off highly explosive battery fumes at the end of the charging process. You can even be burned if your skin comes in contact with battery cells and if electric short circuit occurs. You need to follow safety guidelines to avoid the dangers of battery charging. First, park the forklift in proper position and set the brake. Remove any metal jewelries such as watches before charging. Any other metal items such as tools should be kept away from uncovered battery to prevent electric shock. Always wear the correct PPE whenever you clean a battery, remove vent caps, check the electrolyte level, clean up electrolyte spills, and add water to battery cell.The PPe you need include chemical goggles, face shield, an acid-resistant rubber or neoprene gloves and apron, acid-resistant shoes are also recommended.Before charging, check electrolite level. Using the hydrometer, check the gravity in the pilot cell and right it down in the service log. Check the water level and record it in the log. But don't add water before recharging.